Sweet signs that show your dog loves you
You adore your pooch and think the feeling is mutual, but can’t be sure because he wags his tail at everyone... Here are some key behaviours to look out for.
Gleeful greetings
If your dog rushes to greet you every time you return home, consider it confirmation that you’re special – especially if they were playing or eating before you arrived!
Close contact
Does your dog lean against you, climb up on a chair alongside you, lie next your feet, nuzzle or cuddle? These are all ways that dogs seek out physical contact with those they love.
Puppy eyes
As a rule, dogs don’t like to make eye contact with others as it can feel threatening to them, but if you catch your pooch looking you right in the eye, with soft eyes, they’re gazing at you lovingly.
Check ins
How many times has your dog “popped in” and then wondered out when you’re cooking, bathing, working or watching TV? Often? Good! It’s a sign they’re checking on you and making sure that all is okay…
Loving licks
Unless you’ve got food on your fingers that they’re trying to taste, dog licks (on your hands, arms and face especially) are a sign of affection and care.
Shared toys
Occasionally dogs will offer you one of their toys when they want to play, but often they just want to share because they care. A prime example is when they come in to the house with a bone they’ve dug up and proudly show it off to receive your praise.
If you need more proof, according to research shared on petMD, scientists conducted magnetic image resonance tests (MRI) on several trained dogs to look at their brain activity. When presented with a selection of different smells, the dogs were more excited by their human’s scent than by any other smell, including food!
* Source: petMD and Blue Cross
